Cape May, New Jersey is on the southernmost tip of the Jersey Shore. Although it’s only an hour south of Atlantic City, it is a different world. The entire center of the town is a National Historic Landmark because of the 600 examples of Victorian-era (gingerbread) houses. Cape May is also the premier birding destination in the United States because of migratory paths and excellent habitats for the numerous species of birds seen here. And don’t forget, this is the Jersey Shore, with beaches, lighthouses, wineries, breweries, spas, and golf courses. For a little adventure you might try kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, jet skiing, fishing, and whale or dolphin watching. While you are there you might try some amazing seafood restaurants right on the water.
Gingerbread Houses
Come see hundreds of Victorian houses with covered porches, “gingerbread trim”, “wedding cake” details, along with turrets and gables. You can explore the Historic District by foot, bike, surrey, trolley, or carriage to admire the gorgeous “painted ladies”. The most beautiful houses can be found along Washington Street, Lafayette Street, Hughes Street, Columbia Avenue, and Gurney Street. It’ll remind you of those Southern seaside havens straight out of a romance novel, where colorful Victorian homes line manicured streets.
capemaycarriage.com (Historic Horse and Carriage Tours)
capemaymac.org (Trolley Tours)
geareduprentals.com (Rental Properties)
shieldsbikerental.com (Bike Rental)
villagebikescapemay.com (Bicycle Shop)
Emlen Physick Estate
The 1879 Emlen Physick Estate is a “Stick Style” Victorian house (with a museum and tearoom) that is a contrast to the overly fanciful Victorian facades. The fifteen rooms have been fully restored and give a window into the Victorian era in Cape May. Guided and self-guided tours are offered.
Cape May Beaches
There are 2.5 miles of Atlantic shoreline with family-friendly sandy beaches that are well-maintained and close to restrooms, shopping, and restaurants. Sunset Beach In Cape May State Park offers picturesque sunsets, Higbee Beach is secluded and dog-friendly, and Poverty beach has soft, white sand. Swim, lay on the beach, or take a scenic walk or bike along this paved promenade that is referred to as a boardwalk. This paved promenade runs parallel to Beach Avenue and stretches for nearly two miles past Cape May’s beaches.
geareduprentals.com (bikes and beach gear)
capeislandbikeandbeachrentals.com (bikes and beach gear)
Water Adventures
Try your hand at parasailing or maybe a jet ski or jet boat.
eastcoastwatersportsnj.com (jet-ski-rentals)
eastcoastwatersportsnj.com (east-coast-jet-boat)
eastcoastwatersportsnj.com (east-coast-parasail)
Washington Street Mall
- Spend an afternoon shopping at the Washington Street Mall, a three-block pedestrian concourse between Perry and Ocean Streets. It’s full of charming small-town shops filled with clothing, souvenirs, toys, arts and crafts, candy, ice-cream, artisanal food, and even fancy soaps.
Cape May State Park
Cape May State Park has boardwalks that wind through lush wetlands filled with wildlife. The park’s most famous attraction is the historic Cape May Lighthouse, which dates back to 1859 and still operates today—climb the 199 steps to the top for a view that reaches all the way to Delaware on a clear day.
Wildlife (birding)
Cape May is North America’s premier birding destination, thanks to its location on migratory paths and diverse habitat of marshes, ponds, swamps, grasslands, and forests. Around 450 bird species have been spotted at Cape May such as warblers, sandpipers, oystercatchers, plovers, orioles, and summer tanagers. There is a Cape May Bird Observatory as well as the Cape May School of Birding. You can observe wildlife from the boardwalks in Cape May State Park, or on a kayak or paddle board in the salt marshes. You might consider a cruise aboard “The Skimmer” through the back bays and pristine salt marshes. On these echo cruises you’ll discover fish and fowl in their natural habitat.
njaudubon.org (nature quest)
skimmer.com (cruises)
capemaywhalewatcher.com (whale watching)
capeseaexcursions.com (sailing)
aquatrails.com (kayak nature tours)
Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Waterparks
Got kids? Drive 10 miles north to Wildwood, where you can enjoy a beach and a 3.2-kilometer boardwalk with three amusement piers and 100 rides, including heart-stopping roller coasters, a giant Ferris wheel and 2 waterparks.
Schellenger’s Landing
Schellenger’s Landing gives tourists a taste of the town’s seafaring past. There are three marinas: South Jersey Marina, Utsch’s Marina, and Miss Chris Marina as well as several classic seafood restaurants. The marinas at Schellenger’s Landing have many shops that sell fishing gear and rent out kayaks and paddleboards. At Utsch’s Marina and Miss Chris Marina, anglers can embark on sportfishing charters and deep-sea fishing trips. Another attraction at Utsch’s Marina is the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center. Many tourists enjoy the whale-watching trips, dolphin-watching trips, sunset cruises, and Delaware Bay lighthouse cruises, which depart from Miss Chris Marina. Birding by Boat and Wetlands Wildlife Safari Tours also leave from Miss Chris Marina.
capemaywhalewatcher.com (dolphin watching)
capemayfisherman.com (fishing trips)
tinycruiseline.com (special cruises)
capeseaexcursions.com (saling)
The Historic Cold Springs Village
The Historic Cold Springs Village is a small country community frozen in time. This open-air museum of Early American history includes 27 perfectly preserved buildings, mostly dating from the early to mid 1800s, including a country store, craft shops, restaurants, a bakery, and ice-cream parlor. Walking around the 30-acre village, visitors get a sense of the 19th-century cultural heritage. To further bring the history to life, the village offers demonstrations on the Early American trades, such as blacksmithing, woodworking, and weaving. The property also features a working farm.
Alpacas
Go see the alpacas at these local farms. Your kids will love it.
jerseyshorealpacas.com (farm visit)
bayspringsalpacas.com (farm & spring visit)
Wineries/Breweries
How about some wine and beer tasting?
7 Mile Brewery (beer store)
Cold Spring Brewery (what’s on top)
Slack Tide Brewing (brewing company)
Cape May Winery (winery and vineyard)
Willow Creek Winery (winery and vineyard)
Hawk Haven Winery (winery and vineyard)
Jessie Creek Winery (vineyard, winery, inn)
Golf Courses
How about a round of golf?
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